Philippe Sauvageot

Philippe joined Mace in 2010. He is a principal architect with significant experience of education expansion programmes, including Free Schools and Priority School Building Programmes, and custody programmes such as the Ministry of Justice framework.

Philippe is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) champion for multi-disciplinary design and leads the implementation of BIM standards and processes within the design team.

How did you get into what you do?

I always wanted to study and practice architecture. It’s very rewarding to define the brief with a client, develop the initial concept ideas into a design and then watch the project come to life as bricks and mortar. Our challenge is problem-solving to find innovative and efficient solutions to meet and exceed the client's requirements.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Mace?

I really enjoy how diverse my role and projects can be. No two projects are ever the same. It keeps every day interesting and challenges me to deliver in different ways. Over the last five years I’ve been involved with the development of the company’s BIM strategy. It’s been really interesting to work with colleagues across consultancy and construction to develop the company’s capability to deliver BIM as a fully integrated process to clients, across all sectors and services; whether it is strategic advice, project implementation or project delivery.

What has been your favourite piece of work at Mace?

The Primary School Expansion Programme for the London Borough of Hillingdon, in particular Rosedale Primary School. The new school was built within an existing secondary school site and had to fit between existing buildings and significant trees that needed to be retained. We got particularly great feedback from the school on this project and it was great to work on a building that staff and pupils said they are delighted to use.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

I would urge anyone thinking about getting into architecture to find out as much as they can first and get some work experience before dedicating their studies to it. It’s hugely rewarding and interesting but it's hard work. Above all else, you need to have drive and determination to succeed. If you have the right attitude you’ll do well. You get out of the job what you put in.

What do you see as the big trend for your specialism in the next five years?

The construction industry is transitioning away from using paper documents and 2D graphical information to collaborative, integrated methods of project delivery using digital information and 3D models. Over the next five years I see a trend for delivering projects using digital tools and the power of cloud computing for design and analysis and an increasing use of robotic manufacturing off and on-site. Harnessing new technology will be essential to fill the future skills shortages that are forecast in the industry.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love watching rugby at club and international level, I’ve followed Leicester in the Premiership and European Cup for years and remember when their shirt numbers were letters of the alphabet. At an international level I follow France, being half French. I also love listening to music and standing in mud at rock festivals, but whenever the weather permits, my passion is barbecuing; even at Christmas when we invariably run out of space in the oven.